Through my research and experience in implementing various approaches to preserve forests, i've come to realize that i value certain aspects of forest preservation more than others. To clarify my priorities and ensure that my efforts align with my values, i created a list of criteria for what it means to effectively preserve forests, according to my own standards.
1. Free of full-time houses & communities
To preserve a forest, i believe it is important that no full-time houses or communities exist within it. This excludes temporary cabins for staff, tools, and bathrooms.
While in some cases living in a forest can benefit the environment and humans, it is essential to have multiple forest ecosystems where human interference is minimal — keeping them clean and maintaining clear paths for walks and hikes.
In my experience, exploring a house-free, wild forest provides a unique experience that is distinct from walking through a tree-lined neighborhood or a forested area with multiple houses. While both are wonderful and beneficial for the environment and humans, they play independent yet important roles.
2. Open to wanderers and wonderers
When some forest areas are acquired and preserved, they are unfortunately often restricted or closed off to the public by their owners.
I believe that one of the purposes of preserving forests is to allow people to respectfully appreciate and explore their natural beauty. As such, i advocate for open access to these preserved forests, which enables people to experience and appreciate the wonders of old-growth forests firsthand.
3. Forests are not "owned"
As i delved into the idea of owning an entire ecosystem that includes the plants, birds, animals, and other organisms within a forest, it became apparent that this concept does not align with a forest's ecological context.
Instead, forest ecosystems would benefit more from collective care and protection.
When individuals or organizations claim ownership of a forest, it can create a sense of entitlement that can lead to negative consequences for the environment. Furthermore, it can be challenging to discern the true, long-term intentions behind a purchase.
Therefore, i advocate for the shared responsibility of preserving and enjoying forests, without the traditional notion of ownership.
4. Financial sustainability
The preservation of forests demands ongoing care and protection. It is thus crucial to establish sustainable financial models that can ensure their long-term survival.
5. Community of Forest-Caretakers
To maintain forests' continuous care and protection, it is crucial to have a local, "on-the-ground" community of dedicated Forest Caretakers.
Such a community can help monitor the forest, organize clean-ups, create & maintain trails, gather data, and ensure that the ecosystem thrives for generations to come.